Linear motion apparatus for stimulating hamstring contraction to effect optimum abdominal muscle conditioning

Abstract

A muscle strengthening apparatus comprising a first elongate member, a second elongate member, a feet securing member and a support member. The first and second elongate members have a pair of end portions. The feet securing member secures the feet of a user and is attached to an end of the first elongate member. The other end of the first elongate member has an engagement portion. The second elongate member is slidably engaged with the first elongate member. The axes of the first and second elongate members are substantially coaxial and the movement of the first and second elongate members is substantially linear. The apparatus further comprises a system for exerting a force on the first and second elongate members so as to urge the first and second elongate members in opposite directions. The support member is configured to contact the buttocks of the user and is attached to the other end of the second elongate portion. The apparatus further includes a spring disposed within the first and second elongate members wherein the spring urges the second elongate member in a direction away from the feet securing member.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A muscle strengthening apparatus comprising: a first elongate hollow member having first and second end portions, the first elongate member having an engagement portion adjacent the first end portion;   a feet securing member for securing the feet of a user, the feet securing member being attached the second end portion of the first elongate member;   a second elongate hollow member slidably disposed within the first elongate member, the second elongate member having a first end portion disposed wherein the first elongate member and a second end portion, the axes of the first and second elongate members being substantially coaxial, the movement of the first and second elongate members being substantially linear,   a system for exerting a force on the first and second elongate members so as to urge the first and second elongate members in opposite directions; and   a support member for contacting the buttocks of the user, the support member being attached to the second end portion of the second elongate member, the second elongate member having an engagement portion adjacent the second end portion of the second elongate member for engaging the engagement portion of the first elongate member so as to prevent the second elongate member from being dislodged from the first elongate member.   
     
     
       2. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first and second elongate members have substantially square cross-sections. 
     
     
       3. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the engagement portion of the first elongate member comprises an inwardly flanged portion and the engagement portion of the second elongate portion comprises an outwardly flanged portion. 
     
     
       4. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the system comprises a spring disposed within the first and second elongate members. 
     
     
       5. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second elongate member is hollow and the first elongate member is slidably disposed within the second elongate member, the first and second members having a pair of side portions, each side portion of the second elongate member having a longitudinally extending opening, the portion of the first elongate member that is disposed within the second elongate member having at least one passage extending laterally with respect to the axis of the first elongate member, the passage having openings that are aligned with and accessible through the longitudinal opening formed in the side portions of the second elongate member. 
     
     
       6. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the system comprises an elastic member having a portion disposed within the laterally extending passage of the first elongate member and extending through the longitudinally extending openings formed in the side portions of the second elongate member, the elastic member having a first end attached to one of the side portions of the second elongate member and a second end attached to the other side portion of the second elongate member. 
     
     
       7. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the elastic member is removably attached to the side portions of the second elongate member. 
     
     
       8. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the system further comprises a pair of fastener members, each fastener member being attached to a corresponding end of the elastic member and to a corresponding side portion of the second elongate member. 
     
     
       9. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the system further comprises at least one pair of attachment members, each attachment member being attached to a corresponding side portion of the second elongate member, each fastener member being attached to a corresponding attachment member. 
     
     
       10. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the feet securing member is pivotally attached to the first elongate member. 
     
     
       11. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the feet securing member comprises a pair of foot retaining members, each of which having a body portion defining an opening sized for receiving a foot of a user; and   an axle attached to the first elongate member, the axle being intermediate and attached to the foot retaining members.   
     
     
       12. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the axle is rotatably attached to the first elongate member. 
     
     
       13. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 11 wherein each body portion of the feet retaining members has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. 
     
     
       14. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 11 wherein each body portion has a substantially "C" shape. 
     
     
       15. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 11 wherein each body portion is covered with a relatively soft and flexible material to provide comfortable contact with the user's ankles or feet. 
     
     
       16. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 1 where the support member is pivotally attached to the second elongate member. 
     
     
       17. The muscle strengthening apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the support member has a substantially planar surface for contacting the buttocks of the user.